This September 11 marks another anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, in which 2,977 civilians died and more than 25,000 were injured. Since then, Dozens of films have been made about the before, during and aftermath of the attacks, with the aim of keeping alive the memory of what happened that morning in 2001.
The worst attack in U.S. history marks its 23rd anniversary. On that day, 19 Al Qaeda terrorists hijacked four planes with the aim of crashing them into prominent targets, including the Capitol, the Pentagon and the World Trade Center.
The first plane, carrying 81 passengers, 11 crew members and five terrorists, crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center at around 8:45 am. The second plane crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 am. It was carrying 56 passengers, 11 crew members and five terrorists.
The third plane hit the west wing of the Pentagon after 9:30 a.m. The plane was carrying 58 passengers, six crew members and five terrorists. Finally there was the famous United Airlines Flight 93. Heroically, its passengers managed to take control of the plane and prevent it from crashing into the Capitol. Finally, they fell into a field in Shanksville.
Films Exploring the Impact of 9/11
With more or less success, dozens of movies were filmed about the 9/11 attacks. These are some of the most emblematic and that managed to captivate the audience with their raw account, either of the event itself, or the stories of what led up or happened in the aftermath of these events.
The Perspective of First Responders
Inspired by real events, it tells the story from the inside as firefighters and rescuers rescued people after the impact of the two planes on the World Trade Center. Specifically, Nicolas Cage and Michael Peña play John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno, two Port Authority officials who must assist people affected by the attacks.
A Story of Bravery
Also released in 2006 but in this case directed by British director Paul Greengrass, recreated the situation of United Airlines Flight 93, which did not reach the Capitol due to the bravery of the passengers who fought against the terrorists. It was the only plane that did not hit its target.
The Search for Bin Laden
This is the first film on the list to skip the actual bombings, to focus on the CIA's search for Osama Bin Laden. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow and released in 2012, it starred Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke and Joel Edgerton.
Finding Happiness After Tragedy
Adam Sandler has done more than "They're Like Children" and "A Fake Wife." In this film, the popular actor and director plays dentist Charlie Fineman, whose family was killed during the 9/11 attacks. Focusing on life after the terrorist attack, the film's message is none other than to show the possibility of being happy after facing the worst of human violence.
Documentaries: A Closer Look at the Events and Aftermath
Turning Point: 9/11 And the War on Terror
The last production on the list happens to be a documentary series and the newest one about the attacks. Produced by Netflix and released in 2021, it recounts with first-person testimonies the origin of Al Qaeda, the terrorist attacks and the subsequent response of the United States. James LaPorta, an investigative journalist, is the central figure in the production, which runs for a season consisting of five episodes.
A Child-Friendly Perspective
What Happened on September 11 is a short documentary that provides a kid-friendly exploration of the terrible day in history. The project captures a school field trip to the 9/11 Tribute Museum in Lower Manhattan where guides share their experiences of the day.
Witnessing the Attacks from Stuyvesant High
In the Shadow of the Towers: Stuyvesant High on 9/11 follows the perspective of the tragic day from the students of a high school that watched the attack happen from their classrooms while the school building shook. Director Amy Schatz gathered eight former students 20 years after the day to recount their memories.
A Minute-by-Minute Account
Piers Garland directed this hour-long documentary about the terrorist attacks. It features Betty Ong, Nydia Gonzalez, George Bush and more.
Inside the President's War Room
Adam Wishart directed this hour-and-a-half documentary film, which features George W. Bush, Richard Keil, Andrew Card, Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice and more.
Remembering and Learning from 9/11
These documentaries and films are important reminders of the human cost of terrorism and the resilience of those who survived. They offer a glimpse into the events of that day and the long-lasting impact they had on the world. It is important to remember the victims and to learn from the past so that we can work towards a more peaceful future.
